In this series, the ASA Monitor investigates the unique circumstances surrounding the financial valuation of anesthesiologists by the health care industry. Learn how anesthesiologists are paid, what needs to change, and how the ASA Economic Strategic Plan Initiative aims to achieve a more stable and equitable future.
During the pandemic, many of you shared your experiences with abusive insurance practices. Why would insurance companies cancel contracts, some of which were less than a year old, during this crisis? This was at the same time we saw pressure to pass legislation to prevent “surprise bills.” Of course, narrowing networks to the point of inadequate options will force patients out of network and make the surprise billing issue worse. From an insurance company standpoint, this just increases their profits.
To ensure anesthesiologists are compensated appropriately for the services they provide, addressing abusive insurer negotiation techniques is crucial. The importance of this...